The north eastern counties of Northumberland and
Durham have produced several influential Collie Kennels,
and most of their owners have actively supported the
region’s Collie Club, which can trace its foundation to a
casual meeting in the beer tent after judging was completed
on Whit Monday 1910. With founding members making up the first committee,
and drawn about equally from well established Rough and Smooth exhibitors the Northumberland and Durham Collie Club was quickly recognised by other specialist clubs despite initially electing to stay outside Kennel Club control.

In the October of its foundation year the Northumberland and Durham
Collie Club organised its first competition, a members match judged by
founder member Mr S. Gall ‘Walker’ with contemporary reports suggesting
it was a popular and enjoyable event. In the same month it became the
only none Kennel Club registered society to send a delegate to the
joint council of Collie Clubs and major kennel owners, convened to
discuss the introduction of a unified breed standard to be adopted
by all breed societies and officiating judges. The results of their
deliberations, which stood the test of time, eventually
adopted in 1911.

By the end of 1922 after twelve years of organising successful
events, and with the original secretary Mr H. Walton ‘Weardale’
back in the driving seat, Kennel Club registration was sought and
granted. There followed a period of consolidation with the club
concentrating on supporting local breeders and exhibitors with
‘Members Only’ shows through several difficult years.

Having maintained Kennel Club registration throughout the war the Northumberland and Durham Collie Club were in an excellent position at its end to become one of only three societies to host one of the first four Championship Shows for Rough Collies in 1946, when well known Collie specialist Mr E. Watt ‘Dryfesdale’ awarded the Challenge Certificates to the 6½ year old dog Waldorn of Waldemar and the tricolour bitch Delwood Meryl who added her title in 1949. The following year saw the Club repeated this event but
by 1948 the Kennel Club withdrew championship status from
breed clubs in an effort to encourage general canine societies
who were then struggling to re-establish support.

right – Bitch CC: Delwood Meryl

winning the 1st of her three Challenge Certificates
and with them her Champions title.

Best of Breed is not recorded

On the 31st of March 1962 Championship status returned to the
Northumberland and Durham Collie Club, becoming an annual
event thereafter. On this occasion it was Mr Arnold Clough, perhaps
better known for his support of Smooth Collies, who stood in the
centre of the ring, handing a qualifying Challenge Certificate to the
dog and a first to the bitch.

The support of local breeders and exhibitors has always been a feature of the Northumberland and Durham Collie Club. Initially the needs of Rough and Smooth Collie breeders and exhibitors were given equal prominence, after the
war, when travel was still difficult, a variety of social or fun events, aimed at bring supporters from all levels together, were organised. Today, with greater mobility and fewer Smooth Collie breeders in the locality, the club concentrates its efforts on providing exhibitor friendly shows for Rough Collie supporters. As to the future, this largely depends on members’ needs but of one thing you can be certain; we will continue to encourage a greater participation in canine activities.

Although established to serve the needs of those who live in the North East
membership is open to all.

For more details about what the Northumberland and Durham Collie Club
has to offer contact the Secretary.